Thursday, September 13, 2007

UK to push the MMRV (MMR+Chickenpox) in place of the MMR

This is scary, the chickenpox vaccine has been proven to delay chickenpox rather than prevent it.

Last Updated: Wednesday, 12 September 2007, 07:41 GMT 08:41 UKE-mail this to a friend Printable versionChildren may get chickenpox jabInjectionChickenpox can be fatalThe Department of Health is to consider a mass vaccination of children in England against chickenpox.

Experts have been drafted in to weigh up the benefits following a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

One option is believed to be combining a chickenpox vaccine with MMR in a new four-in-one jab.

However, there is concern that a chickenpox jab would fuel a rise in cases of shingles in adults.

CHICKENPOX SYMPTOMSInitially mild fever and headachesCrops of red spots soon appear, which develop itchy fluid-filled central blistersAfter a couple of days these scab over and dry upIn rare cases associated bacterial infection can lead to potentially fatal conditions, such as toxic shock syndromeOther complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis and inflammation of the blood vessels

Some critics are also concerned that children face a risk of being "over-vaccinated".

Children are currently recommended to have 13 vaccinations against various diseases from infancy up to the age of 18.

Ten jabs against eight diseases are given before the age of two.

A vaccine against chickenpox was licensed in the UK in 2002 but it has never been part of routine childhood vaccinations and is not currently recommended for standard use.

However, the chickenpox vaccine is routine in the US.

Deaths

Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus. It is effects are usually mild in children. However, it is more serious for adults and can sometimes be fatal.

It causes about 20 adult deaths in England and Wales each year.

Among those who have called for the introduction of a chickenpox jab are Professor Anne Gershon, an expert in paediatrics at Columbia University in New York, who has argued the policy could help to save many lives.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "The JCVI requested that we set up a sub-group to look into the issues of vaccinating against chickenpox.

"This work is at a very early stage. The JCVI considers a wide variety of issues around vaccination and immunisation.

"Any recommendation to make a change to the programme is only put forward after a lengthy and thorough consideration of all the evidence."

The virus which causes chickenpox - varicella zoster - also causes shingles - a painful rash which usually strikes in later life.

ABOUT ME

I am a writer, film maker, artist, and non vax / natural immunity advocate. I am a vegetarian and supporter of human rights for all. I am a bit of a smart ass, and I have a very strange sense of humour. Currently I am working on a non vax / natural immunity / vaccine injury documentary called "SPOTTING THE TRUTH" and I run a community for people who are non vaxers and supporters of natural immunity on GOOGLE+. I can be contacted by email forcedanarchy@gmail.com or on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or GOOGLE+